Ryan Reynolds Once Ruined a Scene with Denzel Washington Because His ‘Phone Went Off’ with This Surprising Ringtone

Ryan Reynolds has recently recounted some amusing incidents from the set of the 2012 thriller *Safe House*, where he starred alongside Denzel Washington. During an appearance on the popular YouTube series *Hot Ones*, Reynolds shared details about two particularly awkward moments that occurred while filming.

The conversation, which took place on Thursday, 17 September, unfolded when host Sean Evans prompted Reynolds about his on-set experiences. The actor, now 49, light-heartedly recalled an incident where he accidentally head-butted the acclaimed Washington, 71, not once but twice during a high-octane action sequence. Such a blunder was bound to attract attention, especially given Washington’s illustrious career.

Reynolds cleverly framed the mishaps by joking, “What was more uncomfortable? Head-butting Denzel Washington and giving him a big swollen eye? Or head-butting Denzel Washington and giving him another swollen eye on the other side?” This whimsical take on the situation certainly brought some levity to the discussion and entertained fellow guest Kenneth Branagh, who is currently promoting their new film *Mayday*.

The first instance of the “double headbutt” occurred while filming a scene featuring a car out of control. Reynolds explained, “There’s nothing I could have done except maybe not hit Denzel Washington in the old money maker,” referring to the actor’s face in a playful manner. Such candidness highlights Reynolds’ ability to blend humour with the occasional misstep on set.

In addition to the headbutting incidents, Reynolds also shared the story of his phone ringing during what he described as “the climactic scene of the movie.” As the tension in the scene built, his phone unexpectedly began playing Frank Sinatra’s classic, “Come Fly with Me.” The actor recalled his astonishment as director Daniel Espinosa, somewhat exasperated, asked, “Who the f—’s phone is that?” Only then did it dawn on everyone present that the phone belonged to Reynolds.

The situation became increasingly awkward as Reynolds found himself holding Washington, who looked bewildered by the sudden interruption. As Reynolds amusingly recounted, “That’s what’s coming out of my ass while I’m sitting there holding Denzel Washington.” The anecdote adds a new layer to the already entertaining dialogue surrounding the film.

Prior to sharing these stories on *Hot Ones*, Reynolds had reflected on the phone incident during a moderated discussion at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, where he acknowledged his blunder, stating, “Dumb-dumb is sitting on his phone… I can see Denzel with a tear in his eye.” This candid admission illustrates the unique pressures and unexpected occurrences that often unfold in the film industry.

*Safe House*, which also featured Vera Farmiga, Sam Shepard, and Brendan Gleeson, tells the thrilling story of a CIA officer, played by Reynolds, stationed in South Africa alongside Washington’s character, a former operative caught up in criminal activities. The film garnered significant attention upon its release, largely due to the star power of its leading actors.

Now, over a decade later, Reynolds and Branagh are teaming up in the action-comedy film *Mayday*, currently available for streaming on Apple TV. Their collaboration reflects a continued partnership in the entertainment industry, wherein light-hearted interactions are as notable as on-screen performances.

These humorous anecdotes from *Safe House* remind us that even in the world of serious thrillers, light-hearted moments are often just a mishap away, creating lasting memories for those involved. As Reynolds continues to navigate his career, these moments serve not only as clever storytelling but also as a testament to the camaraderie forged on set.